"It's unbelievable!" said Roger. "I never thought I would win – this is incredible."

car buff drives away a winner!

Roger Binns wins mortgage payments for 2010

With a couple of sweet rides, extensive tools and memorabilia covering the walls of his shop, there's no doubt member Roger Binns appreciates classic muscle cars. There's also no doubting his appreciation of Columbia Credit Union. He recently refinanced his home to Columbia's low rates and wound up winning his mortgage payments for an entire year.

"It's unbelievable!" said Roger. "I never thought I would win – this is incredible!"

From June to December last year, members who opened or refinanced a qualifying mortgage, home equity or auto loan were entered to win their loan payments in Columbia's Payment Free Promotion. "It was a good time for us to consolidate and refinance," explained Roger. "We were able to get rid of high monthly payments. Now we're paying off the principal faster."

He started his Columbia membership back when his son was trying to secure a car loan from one of the national banks. After applying, they waited weeks only to find out they were denied, so they applied at Columbia and the rest is history!

"We enjoy banking with Columbia," said Roger who now maintains all his financial accounts at the credit union. "Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They have a wide variety of products with very competitive rates."

But Roger's appreciation for Columbia doesn't end there. He also likes the convenience of 12 branches, online banking, and using his debit card for purchases. "No matter where you are in Clark County, you can always find a Columbia branch!" he said. Plus, "I like how Columbia is local," said Roger. "They're involved in our community and committed to the environment in so many ways."

Roger is active in the community as well. He was named the 2009 Volunteer of the Year for the Building Industry Association of Clark County and regularly volunteers at athletic events for the Battle Ground school district – even though his children are out of school! He also makes time to coach a men's premier soccer team, serve on a local utility council, and often helps friends and family with car repairs.

While it's obvious his love of cars runs deep, he doesn't expect to use his winnings to feed his hobby. "We'll probably reinvest it in our home with a few projects or use it to pay down the loan," said Roger.

Home for Roger is in Battle Ground where he lives with his wife, Dolores. They have three grown children who all keep accounts at Columbia, too. "My family has had a very positive experience with Columbia," said Roger. "The staff is very helpful and resourceful; when you come in with a question or need help with your accounts, you always leave with a good feeling."

Congratulations, Roger!

Get in on the good things happening at Columbia

If you're not yet a member, get started today! It's easy to open accounts and loans at Columbia Credit Union. If you live or work in Washington you're eligible for membership. Or, if you simply have a family member who lives or works in Washington (even if they're not yet a member) then you too are eligible. Like the game 6-degrees of separation, you're sure to find a connection that opens the door to membership.